Frequently asked questions
Q What is the Royal Over-Seas League?
A The Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) is a non-profit, private Commonwealth members organisation, founded in 1910 to foster international understanding and friendship. ROSL supports the Commonwealth through social, cultural and welfare projects including education projects in Namibia and Botswana, and the world-renowned Annual Music and Arts Competitions, offering young musicians and artists from the Commonwealth financial support and travel opportunities.
Q What are the benefits of joining the Royal Over-Seas League?
A Benefits include use of the dining, bar, garden, and drawing room facilities in the beautiful clubhouse overlooking Green Park, accommodation in both our London headquarters and Edinburgh clubhouse, and the opportunity to visit over 80 reciprocal clubs around the world. ROSL members are also invited to attend a wide variety of events including tastings, dinners, cultural outings, concerts and art exhibitions.
Q Is there a membership criteria?
A Full membership is open to nationals of the UK and Commonwealth countries. Affiliate membership is open to citizens of all other countries. Only full members are granted the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting.
Q How do I join?
A To join ROSL every individual must complete a membership application form (click here) and send this form by post FAO: Membership Department, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James's Street, London SW1A 1LR.
Individual applicants must be proposed and seconded, however, members of certain organisations (for example, the Royal Academy or the National Trust) or alumni of Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Trinity College Dublin, are exempt from this process. To check whether you qualify for organisational membership please click here.
Residents of Australia and New Zealand are required to contact their local branch secretary to obtain an application form because the subscription rates are payable in local currency.
Please click here for the contact details.
For more information, or to receive a ROSL membership application pack in the post, please contact membership@rosl.org.uk or tel +4 (0)20 7408 0214 ext. 214/216
Q Who can act as a proposer?
A The proposer may be a ROSL member or ROSL staff member as designated by the Director-General.
Q Who can act as a seconder?
A The seconder may be a ROSL member, bank manager, solicitor or another person of recognised standing.
Q How do I establish a company corporate membership?
A There is an arrangement for companies, charities or other organisations which would like a minimum of four of their staff (including spouses) to be members. Although each applicant is required to fill in a separate application form, the overall joining fee and annual subscription are usually paid by the company. To establish a company corporate arrangement, please contact the Membership Secretary at membership@rosl.org.uk.
Q How long does it take to become a Member?
A Upon receipt of a completed application form, membership will be processed within 5-7 working days.
Q What is the joining fee?
A The joining fee, which is applicable per household, is a one-off administration fee payable upon joining the League.
Q How much does membership cost?
A The membership year runs from January until December with half year rates available from 1st July. To view our subscription rates for 2012 and to download an application form click here
Q What is the dress code?
A ROSL operates a smart/casual dress code policy. No sports wear, trainers, sandals or shorts should be worn in the clubhouse. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket when dining in the Restaurant.
Q May I use my mobile phone in the club?
A Members are asked to be considerate of others when making and receiving calls on mobile phones. Mobiles are not to be used in the following areas: The Restaurant, the Buttery, the Cocktail Bar and the Drawing Room.
Q Do you have parking?
A Limited parking facilities are available at Over-Seas House: permission to use these facilities is at the discretion of the Management. Members may park only if they are resident, or using the Club's facilities; car keys must be deposited with the Hall Porters. Metered parking is available in St James's Street, St James's square or Pall Mall. Meters are in operation from 8am until 6.30pm and you will need a mobile phone to pay.
Q How many bedrooms do you have?
A We have 80 bedrooms, all en suite apart from two which share a bathroom on the corridor.
Q How far in advance do you recommend booking a room?
A As far in advance as possible. We recommend a minimum of three weeks on average.
Q What is your cancellation policy
A Notification of cancellations must be received before noon on the day prior to the date of arrival. The Member will otherwise be liable for the full charge for one night if the room is not re-let.
Q Do you allow children?
A Children are welcome at Over-Seas House.
Q May I bring guests?
A Members may invite guests to Over-Seas House. The name and address of each guest, together with the name of the member, is to be entered in to the guest book kept for that purpose in the entrance hall. Members are responsible for their guests' behaviour and guests may not use the premises if unaccompanied by a member. Visitors are not admitted to bedroom floors except by special permission of the Duty Manager. If you wish for your spouse to use the accommodation at Over-Seas House they too must be a member in their own right.
Q Is it possible for non-members to host a private event/conference at the Club?
A Our conference and events facilities are open for use by non-members, but members will always be given preference and a discounted rate when booking. For more information please contact Alastair Betty, Convex Leisure tel: 020 7629 0406 alastair@convexleisure.co.uk
Q Can I hold my wedding at Over-Seas House?
A Wedding services may not be conducted at Over-Seas House, but Over-Seas House provides the perfect venue for a Wedding Reception or Anniversary.
Q What are your opening hours?
A ROSL premises are open to non-resident members daily from 8am until 11pm. There is a 24hr porter for those in residence. Office hours for general enquiries are Monday - Friday 9.30am until 5pm
Q May I book a tour of Over-Seas House and its facilities?
A Potential Members interested in seeing our beautiful listed London Clubhouse can book an appointment with Emmerson Wood, our Guest Relations Officer. We have dedicated 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday as a time to show interested parties around the building. Please contact Emmerson on 020 7408 0214 or email ewood@rosl.org uk to book an appointment.